Blackjack Table Etiquette

Unless you’re so far out of line that they have to call security, a casino is probably not going to risk losing your patronage over a minor etiquette infraction. For that reason, you may not think it’s important to learn how to behave at the blackjack table. Fair enough, but if you learn a few basic rules at the outset, you can make the game more fun for yourself and other players. Come on, no one wants to be “that guy.” Brush up on your table etiquette, bring a little bit of class to the blackjack table, and improve the gaming experience for everyone. Here are six tips you can use to become the kind of blackjack player casinos could use more of.

Be Gracious
Whether in victory or defeat, it pays to take the cards as they come. Remember, the dealer is not trying to beat you. He’s not cheating to empty your bank account. If anything, he’s rooting for you to win because it bodes well for his tip. Limit your cursing, be a good winner, and repeat to yourself that it’s just a game.

Pick Up the Pace
Don’t be afraid of blackjack if you don’t have a full grasp of the game; dealers are used to coddling beginners. That said, avoid referring back to your strategy card every time the action is on you. Other players want to move the game along, and it is poor etiquette to stretch your turn beyond the limits of good taste. Try online blackjack to familiarize yourself with the game before trying your hand in the casino.

Keep Your Advice to Yourself
This is not just applicable to the blackjack table, but there’s something about the game that attracts know-it-alls. No matter how well-intentioned or useful your advice may be to other players, they don’t want to hear it. If they take it and lose, there’s going to be hard feelings. If you’re sprinkling insults in with your advice, you may find yourself escorted out of the building. Better to keep your wisdom a secret.

Don’t Touch the Bet
This is a hard habit for some people to break, but it’s one of the quickest ways to attract unwanted attention from security. Once you place your bet, keep your hands away from the chips.

Keep Cash Out of the Betting Box
Modern casinos are unlikely to accept cash bets at the blackjack table, but there are a few old-fashioned gaming halls that still let you put some crisp Benjamins down on the action. If you’re in such an establishment, cut down on confusion by keeping your cash out of the betting box. You don’t want the dealer to assume it’s intended as a bet if it isn’t.

Order Your Chips Properly
When placing a bet, chips are properly stacked with the smallest denomination on top. If you put a more valuable chip on top, most dealers will put them in order for you, slowing the game for everyone. This policy is in place to prevent cheaters from adding a high-value chip to their wager after the hand is finished, so don’t invite suspicion by stacking improperly.